Prostatic and Periprostatic Cystic Lesions: a Pictorial Review
Number:28ESURABS0035
Type:Educational Electronic Presentation
Authors: Lorenzo Vassallo, Mirella Fasciano, Gisella Lingua
Keywords:mpMRI, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), prostate, prostatic cyst.
SECTIONS
Educational objective

The aim of this poster is to discuss cysts of the lower male genitourinary tract in terms of the embryologic development and normal anatomy of the tract and to provide a pictorial review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal US features of these lesions.

Topic Review

In the literature, prostatic cysts are usually classified as either (a) median, paramedian, and lateral cysts, or (b) intraprostatic and periprostatic cysts. In this poster, we discuss cystic lesions of the lower male urogenital tract under the following headings: intraprostatic cysts, extraprostatic cysts, and mimics of prostatic and periprostatic cysts.

 

INTRASPROSTATIC CYSTS

MEDIAN

Median cysts (prostatic utricle cysts, müllerian duct cysts) are located in the midline behind the upper half of the prostatic urethra.

Prostatic Utricle Cysts.

Prostatic utricle cysts are an embryologic remnant of the müllerian duct system, resulting in incomplete regression of this structure during embryologic development. A prostatic utricle cyst is an area of focal dilatation that occurs within the...

...read more

Figure 1. Axial T2-weighted (a) and sagittal T2-weighted image show utricle cyst.
Figure 2. Axial T2-weighted (a) and sagittal T2-weighted image show Mullerian duct cyst. They are usually larger than utricle cyst extending above the posterior superior margin of the prostate.
Conclusions

Various types of cysts can affect the lower male genitourinary tract and may lead to serious complications. Despite their rarity, it is essential to be familiar with these cysts in terms of their patterns, associations, and complications. Two main groups of cysts can affect the lower male genitourinary tract: intra- and extraprostatic cysts. MR imaging and transrectal US are the modalities of choice for proper diagnosis and management of these cysts.